spot_img
PoliticsRace For Tory New Leader Expands to Nine With...

Race For Tory New Leader Expands to Nine With Early Focus on Tax by Francisca Ogar

-

- Advertisment -spot_img

Former UK defence secretary Penny Mordaunt on Sunday became the ninth Conservative MP to launch a bid to replace Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as the already fractious race promptly focused on tax.

Mordaunt, 49, an ex-navy reservist who has also held several senior ministerial roles, is not among the frontrunners to succeed Johnson in recent polls of Tory party members ultimately set to choose their new leader.

But such contests are notoriously unpredictable, and with more than a dozen lawmakers from multiple factions of the ruling party potentially set to run, political commentators say few contenders can be discounted.

The early favourite is former finance minister Rishi Sunak, who launched his campaign Friday after helping to kickstart the cabinet revolt that led to Johnson’s forced resignation Thursday. He is now drawing early fire from Johnson loyalists and rival candidates.

Sunak and former health minister Sajid Javid — who has also declared his candidacy — both resigned late Tuesday, prompting dozens of more junior colleagues to follow suit.

That forced Johnson to then quit as Tory leader 36 hours later.

But the 58-year-old leader, whose three-year premiership has been defined by scandal, the country’s departure from the European Union and the Covid pandemic, said he would stay on until his successor is selected.

Crowded field

Former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt, who finished runner-up to Johnson in the last contest in 2019, announced he will stand again late Saturday.

Current finance minister Nadhim Zahawi — only appointed to the post Tuesday — and Transport Secretary Grant Shapps have also launched bids.

They join attorney general and arch-Brexiteer Suella Braverman, the relatively unknown former equalities minister Kemi Badenoch, and backbench Tory MP Tom Tugendhat on the growing candidate list.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, a frontrunner in recent surveys, is among those expected to still announce.

But Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who has impressed in the role and been one of Tory members’ favourites, said Saturday he would not stand after a discussion with colleagues and family.

Taxation is already a key dividing line in the race, as Britain faces the toxic combination of high inflation and rampant cost-of-living increases alongside stagnant growth and relatively high tax rates.

Source:The Guardian

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest news

2023 Elections: NHRC Deploys Over 800 Election Observers Across The Federation

As the voting hours get closer, the National Human Rights Commission has deployed over 800 Election Observers to monitor...

2023 Polls: NHRC Launches Human Rights Situation Room

The Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN has on Friday launched a Human Rights...

Honourable Nnaji Mourns Barr. Oyibo Chukwu

The member representing Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency of Enugu State in the House of Representatives, Honourable Nnolim Nnaji has...

Edeoga expresses worry Over Attacks On Labour Party Supporters In Enugu

The Labour Party gubernatorial candidate for Enugu State, Honourable Barrister Chijoke Edeoga has raised alarm over the targeted attacks...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

NDA Commandant bemoans Reuters Report, Says Nigerian Military Deserves Commendation Not Condemnation

Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) who was also the former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Maiduguri,...

7 Division Military Hospital Maiduguri manages miscarriages not abortions – witness tells SIIP North-East

A Specialist Registrar attached to Maimalari Military hospital at the headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai, 7 Division, Maiduguri, Borno...

Must read

ITF Unveils Plan For Vocational Skills Program

The Industrial Training Fund formally unveil our strategic policy...

19-year-old Iyenoma Destiny Udogie has decided to dump the Super Eagles for Italy

Nigerian born youngster Destiny Udogie has stated that he...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you